After visiting two neo-pagan groups in California, I learned to have
compassion for those who are looking outside the church for spiritual reality.

My quest to understand the world of neo-paganism began at a "summer
equinox ritual" held in a park in Riverside, California. I was greeted
there by a woman dressed in a medieval costume who acted surprised when
I told her I was there to write an article for a Christian magazine.

"Oh, you are one of those," she said, smiling faintly.

Her reluctance did not surprise me. Many witches are uneasy about revealing
their devotion to the Wiccan religion. Some fear they will suffer discrimination
on the job.